CHRISTCHURCH COMMUNISTS

Evening Star, Issue 18717, 20 August 1924, Page 11

CHRISTCHURCH COMMUNISTS

MENACE TO WORKING CLASS. (Special to the ' Btae.*] CHRISTCHURCH, August 19. The Communists- in Christchurch are causing some considerable perturbation in Labor circles, according to statements made by a prominent Labor official to a reporter. "The position in Christchurch," ho said, “ was worse than in any other centre of the dominion.” “They are few in numbers," he added, “but they have the knack of getting into the heart of tho movement. They are gaining places on the executives of various Labor organisations, and are causing considerable concern amonst tho saner Labor men.’ Tho Communists, he said, belonged to a small organisation in English-speaking countries, but were very keen and zealous in spreading their doctrines. They aimed at “ getting into tho saddle whore _ possible, hoping thus, in spite of opposition, to force tho Labor movement into actions which tho majority deplored. As yetin Christchurch they had been unable to do much,” he continued, “ but they are making their presence felt.” Their number included one or two elderly men, but they had a small following of irresponsible youths. "They are all Marxian authorities,” said the official, with a smile. "They have read a sixpenny pamphlet, and are therefore qualified to teach the principles of Communism. At tho annual meeting of one Labor body held a day or two ago in Christchurch three Communists were elected to the executive positions. These men also held positions on tho Labor Representation 'Committee. They had also worked their way into educational movements. They seemed to be worming their way into the heart of the working class movements with tho object eventually of gaining representation in Parliament. They were elected to these Labor bodies from affiliated unions, having gained tho confidence of those who attended the union meetings, and by skilful use of their tongues these men are a menace to the working class. They are men who are never without a grouch, have the ono aim—that of putting the yoke of Communism upon the people —and they are not very scrupulous as to their methods of attaining this ideal.” The speaker referred to the statement made in Queensland .recently by Mr Theodore, Labor Premier, who said that the Communists were working from the heart of tho movement, intent on its destruction. They were a canker which would disease the whole Labor movement, and ultimately destroy it, unless they were removed. “ That is what we are up against in New Zealand,” concluded this official. Conversing with a member of a union, tho reporter was informed that several Communists, who wore members of ono trade, had taken charge of his union. They had been elected to the executive of die union, and then had sent them--selves as delegates to the L.R.C., Trades and Labor Council, and other bodies. “Wo can’t do anything cither at present,” ho said, “ but hope to be able to get rid of them when tho next annual meeting comes round.”